Early Strings

Bernie Lehmann offers four models of lute on a custom ordered basis. Because materials and details are custom and vary by order, the price listed is a base price only. Contact us for more information or to make an order. The Arnault Model is a Medaeval-style plectrum instrument strung in plain...

The Rebec enjoyed an extraordinarily long period of popularity, eventually evolving into the concertmasters "Kit" in the 19th century. It is a 3-stringed Fiddle with a teardrop-shaped carved body and a flat top. The Rebec has a bright sound, and is a wonderful solo melody instrument. This instrument is available...

The tenor vielle has a string length of 20" (51cm) and may be tuned G c e a d'. It has a full robust tone and is made with either a flat or an arched bridge. Geared "Peghed" tuners are available. The model pictured is made of spruce and pearwood...

The Vielle, or Medieval Fiddle, is built with either a flat bridge for chordal (drone) style playing or an arched bridge for melodic playing. It has five strings and a guitar-shaped flat body with six tied frets. The Vielle is a predecessor of the Viola da Gamba and, of course,...

LaCote, like most builders, made guitars in differing styles according to demand. The two guitars pictured illustrate different combinations of LaCote features. The lower guitar has a figure-8 headstock with "PegHed" geared tuners, a standard overlaid fingerboard with narrow nickel-silver frets, simple wood bindings, and mahogany sides and back. The upper guitar...

The original of this model is in the Musee de la Musique in Paris. It is a fine example of transitional models from the five-course Baroque guitar to the six single string modern guitar. It features an elongated body and a fingerboard that is flush with the top like earlier...

This is a copy of an 1830 original by Cole Louis Panormo, the premier builder of guitars "in the Spanish style". Bernie Lehmann's model is made of prime Brazilian rosewood veneers for the sides and back and constructed just like many early guitars - both for strength and beauty. The top...